(43-273) Kidz-R-Kool

Today all three of my kids were scheduled to have their bi-annual dental check ups and teeth cleanings.  So if you've stopped by "The Bumpy Ride" before, you know what that means... I was NERVOUS!  I've been very careful NOT to let my kids know how much I detest going to the dentist; because I don't want them to be afraid like me.  Luckily, none of them seem to have inherited my dental phobia and I credit this in part to their phenomenal dentist, Dr. Brenke at Kidz-R-Kool Pediatric Dentistry.

I've been taking my kids to Dr. Brenke for years, and he's done everything from a routine exam, to fillings, to sealants to extractions for us; and my kids have never complained, and have NEVER been scared to undergo treatment.  Dr. Brenke and his staff treat the kids with kindness and respect; and they bend over backwards to make sure that the parents are comfortable as well.  Ironically enough, Valerie, who I mentioned in "A New Crown For The Queen," left her job with my previous dentist a few years ago and has been working at Kidz-R-Kool ever since; which gives us an extra reason to be comfortable with our dental care choice.

Dr. Brenke's office is adjoined to our Orthodontist's office, which makes it very convenient if ever the Orthodontist needs to defer to the dentist or vice versa.  Like today for instance, Dr. Brenke noticed that one of Lyndzi's teeth was not going to be able to come in properly because her spacer wire was in the way.  He asked me when her next Ortho appointment was, so I checked my calendar and told him that it was scheduled for May 26.  Dr. Brenke didn't think that it should wait that long; so he personally took Lyndzi next door to the Orthodontist's office and then brought one of the techs back over to speak to me.  We agreed that I'd bring Lyndzi in on Tuesday when Nicky has his next Ortho appointment; and I was most appreciative of his assistance.

All too often I find myself telling you about the inferior service that I've received somewhere; so in the interest of (say it with me) "The Greater Good,"  I feel duty bound to recommend Kidz-R-Kool to all those who are in the Peoria, AZ area.   Heck, even if you're a little bit further away, I think he's totally worth the trip.

It means everything to me that my kids aren't fearful the way that I am, and that they have positive experiences doing the things that they NEED to do for themselves; like having regular dental exams.  I'm also delighted to report that all three of my kids were cavity free, and won't need to be seen for another six months.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-106) A Blueprint for a B.F.F

I picked the kids up on campus today (even though the Art Nazi is gone;) and while I was there, one of Kelsie's friends came running over to give her a hug goodbye; and said "See you tomorrow B.F.F"  I wonder if my kids would believe me if I told them that even when I was back in elementary school, we used to write B.F.F. on notes that we would pass to friends.  Yes, I've had my share of B.F.F's over the years; or at least friends who I thought would be friends forever; but sometimes that just isn't possible.  Just like I wrote in "Nothing Much," sometimes people grow apart; and it doesn't minimize how much they cared for each other or erase the memories that they shared; it just means that sometimes friendships change.

In reflecting on my 43 years of life, and what it means to have a friend and be a friend; I have come up with a blueprint of what it really takes to be a B.F.F. and here's my DISCLAIMER:

I am absolutely, positively, NOT writing about any one in particular; but sharing my general points of view on the matter.

A best friend is someone that you're always happy to see or hear from, and someone that you always want to make time for.  

A best friend is someone who sticks with you in good times and in bad. 

A best friend will stand by you when you're in a jam; and try to help you find solutions for your problems.  A best friend looks out for your best interests and tries to help whenever possible.

A best friend doesn't always tell you what you want to hear; sometimes they tell you what you NEED to hear.  There are enough people in this world who are willing to yes you to death, or let you walk around with toilet paper on your shoe or broccoli in your teeth; but a BEST Friend; should tell you the truth whether you're going to like it or not, and you should welcome them to; because if they really are your best friend, they are speaking from a place of sincerity,  love and concern.  A best friend shares their opinion even if it's contrary to yours and then needs to respect your choices, even if they don't agree with them. 

A best friend is someone with whom you can enjoy life's simple pleasures.  You don't always have to be going, running, doing; to be able to enjoy the time that you share. 

A best friend is someone with whom you have common interests, goals, values and ideals.   You don't have to have come from the same place, but you are heading in the same direction.

A best friend is someone that is aware of all of your
attributes and shortcomings and loves you anyway. It's someone that accepts you for exactly who you are, and doesn't try to change you. Someone that you feel you can tell your biggest secrets, worst embarrassments, greatest joys and all of your dreams to; because they're not going to judge you.

If you are married; I would hope that your spouse is your best friend; since he / she is the person that you are most intimate with. By saying my "Best" friend it connotes that you could only have one; because only ONE person can be the best at something; but I say that a person should count themselves lucky to have as many individuals as possible that meet the above mentioned blueprint of a B.F.F.  I myself am VERY blessed to have my husband and the honest, supportive, nurturing, patient,true friends that grace my life and I hope that you can all say the same.                                       

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-66) He's Still The ONE!

Since Luis and I had such a short courtship before getting married; we wanted to make sure that we had a solid marriage before we started having children. When we got pregnant with Nicky, we had planned to have Luis' youngest sister, Erica come to live with us to help take care of Nicky while we worked; but the U.S. government advised me that I couldn't bring her over to be our nanny, as there were enough qualified, Americans who could do the job. Instead of looking for alternate childcare, Luis and I chose to work opposite schedules so that WE could care for Nicky, and subsequently Lyndzi and Kelsie as well.

For 8 years, Luis and I worked opposite shifts. Monday through Wednesday, I'd met him at my office at 315; then he'd take the kids home and I worked till 830pm or so. On Thursday and Friday when Luis was off, I'd work 12 hours per day to make up for my shorter days; and then Luis would work on Saturday and Sunday. This schedule didn't afford us much time together; and the only way we could have a full day off together was if one (or both) of us, took a vacation or sick day.

In the summer of 2007, in preparation for having 2 school aged children,  I requested to work from home; and my employers agreed.  The schedule was to remain the same in as much as on Luis' day's off I was expected to go into my office; but in the fall of 2007 when Luis got very ill; my employers were amazingly, cooperative and allowed me to remain at home all week, as Luis couldn't be left alone. As Luis recovered, it became evident that it really wasn't necessary for me to go into the office on both Thursday AND Friday; and my boss agreed that I could come in on Friday only. With this new schedule in place, Luis was able to change his schedule to have Friday's and Saturday's off; which then gave our family an entire day together; which was delightful.

In October of 2009 my employer informed me (and several others;) that we were going to need to cut back our hours from 40 to 32 per week; and since this was a hardship; they allowed us to choose which day we wanted to take off without pay; and I chose Friday.

As much as it's been a challenge to make do without the additional pay, I have to say that I think the time is has afforded Luis and I to spend alone together, has been priceless. On Friday mornings I get the kids off to school and then we have 7 hours to enjoy each other's company; to be a couple, and to focus on each other.

Earlier this week I was looking for the documents that I wrote about misinterpreting in "So HAPPY To Be Wrong;" and I came across all kinds of old pictures. Some of me, when I was just a couple of years old; and some early pictures of Luis and I; like the one pictured above. When I first looked at the pictures, I was struck by how young Luis had looked when we'd met; and although I thought that he was HOT STUFF then; I can honestly say that my man has aged well!  Even though I'm not a wine drinker; I do know that fine, wine improves with age and I can say that Luis has too.  Luis has become more handsome with each passing year and he never ceases to amaze me.

I sat across the table from Luis today, feeling so fortunate that HE is my husband; because not only is he smart and compassionate and funny; but I still find him unbelievably attractive. Despite the pounds that we've both put on, regardless of the grey hair and age lines; we still seem to be more in love and in tune with each other, than ever.

Luis and I had fallen in love at first sight; and sixteen years later; we're still smitten. There is no other that I would choose to share my life with, my strife with, my love with. We come from such extremely different places and upbringings that we compliment each other nicely and yet in the most important ways, we are very much alike. We have three extraordinary, children who seem to be the very best of what we are; and I relish the time that we get to spend alone to reminisce and plan and revel.

It's just like I wrote in "My Something Special;" "Luis and I have a love that's beyond compare." That's not to say that it's perfect;  because nothing is - but I can proudly say that he's still the ONE; and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-30) Kudos to Kelsie

In additon to wanting to share our love and our lives; one of the reasons that Luis and I wanted to have children, was so that we could bring people into this world who would go forth and contribute positively.  People who would be kind and compassionate, reliable and responsible, trustworthy and hard working.  Individuals who would try to make the world a better place.  And although I believe that our children are well on their way to becoming these kinds of people; today I heard a story about my youngest; Kelsie, that assured me that  we are on the right track.

Kelsie is in first grade and she came home from school on Tuesday and told me that something disgusting had happened in class.  I was intrigued, as this isn't something that I usually hear and I asked her to tell me all about it.  Kelsie explained that someone had pooped in class instead of going to the bathroom.  Of course I asked if the person had done it in front of the class; and Kelsie said "I don't think so."  I definitely needed more details at this point; so I asked her to tell me exactly what happened.  Kelsie explained that there was poop next to this one girl's desk and under her chair.  Repulsed as I was, I needed to press on with  my questioning;  but before I could utter another word, Kelsie said "And guess who found the poop?"  Oh dear lord, I knew what was coming next; and as soon as I asked "WHO?"  She said exactly what I knew she'd say; "ME!"  OK, Gross! Gross! Gross!  I asked Kelsie what she did when she found it and she said "I told the teacher."  I asked what the teacher did, and she said "Called the janitor."  POOR janitor!  I love our janitor, God bless her!!  I asked what happened to the student and Kels explained that the teacher had spoken to her in private.

So today I went to volunteer in Kelsie's class again; or at least that's what I told her.  The truth of the matter is that I knew that Kelsie was getting the Student of the Month award and I wanted to be at the assembly for her; but she's so darn sharp that I knew if she saw me AT the assembly, she'd figure out that she was student of the month; so instead I just said that I was volunteering in her class.  I was / am VERY proud of kelsie for being Student of the month. She has demonstrated that she knows when it's time to play and she knows when it's time to buckle down and do work.  I'm told that she is very well behaved and a great role model. Now what mom wouldn't be ecstatic to receive these compliments about their child?  But even better than that, was the story that her teacher told me about the poop incident.
Her teacher said, "I felt so bad that Kelsie had to be the one to find the poop; but she handled the situation so compassionately."  She said "Kelsie was very discreet when she told me what happened and she didn't make a big deal about it, so ultimately none of the other kids in the class had any idea what was going on and the pooper was not embarrassed." (Well she didn't say pooper...)  My chest swelled with pride and my heart smiled as the teacher told me this story; and I grew a new appreciation for the person that kelsie is becoming.  Many other children would have handled this situation so very differently; and I think Kelsie demonstrated maturity and compassion that we sometimes don't even see in adults.  I think it's safe to say that Luis and I are doing something VERY right.  Get ready world!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-12) My Something Special

Since both of my parents passed away by the time I was 19 years old; I always had the feeling that something very special was going to happen to me - something uncommon; something that others wouldn't experience.  It's not that I had a chip on my shoulder or that I thought that I was owed anything; it was just a notion that I believed wholeheartedly and took great comfort in.  At times I would wonder what that something special would be.  Maybe I'd be the first woman President, or achieve an uncommon goal; but once I fell in love with Luis, I KNEW!  I knew that Luis was MY SOMETHING SPECIAL and that we were going to have a love that was beyond compare and 16 years later, I still believe that I was right!!  I know that I have yet to share the story of how I met Luis; and I've previously explained that I was holding off on doing so because I didn't want Lifetime Television to snatch up my story without it being copy written; but I've now decided to submit the story to the "Glamour Magazine" essay contest; so God willing, you'll be reading it in Glamour at a later date.
Now Luis and I have our tiffs, spats and blow outs like most couples do and why wouldn't we; after all, I am the Queen of OVERTHINKING, The Queen of SENSITIVITY and OK I'll say it, The Queen of ARGUING; so of course I'm going to challenge the Prince of PATIENCE from time to time.  Nonetheless, despite our disagreements, I am still very much in love with my husband and I have to say that this weekend I fell in love with him ALL OVER AGAIN.
Sometimes there are defining moments in a couples relationship and we experienced one this weekend.  Luis was strong for me when I couldn't be; and he allowed himself to be put in an uncomfortable position in order to spare me and the kids from a painful situation.  Once again I can't go into details of the how and why; but suffice it to say that his generosity, his selflessness, and his protection moved me to tears.
Luis is our rock. He has the voice of reason and the strength of Hercules. Yesterday I truly was a damsel in distress and he was my Knight; my HERO.  The kids and I are so BLESSED to have Luis because what we have IS something VERY special indeed.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING